Imagine rolling hills, highlighted by stone fences splitting the pastures. The sun is setting on a beautiful Spring day, and you're settling in to enjoy an evening of Italian wines and food. A lucky group of locals and visitors from surrounding areas did not have to travel to Tuscany to enjoy this night; rather, the guests gathered at Hilltoppers restaurant at the Goodstone Inn & Estate, located right outside the Town of Middleburg. Few locals have discovered this gem in their backyard, but with culinary creations such as the four-course masterpiece served at the Spring Italian Wine Dinner on April 9, it won't take long for the word to escape.

The dinner was the first in a series that the restaurant will be featuring in the coming months. This night, diners enjoyed a sweet, sour and spicy calamari, prepared Sicilian style and served with Otella, La Creete 2006; goose liver ravioli with balsamic and brown butter paired with Lucente 2004; Waygu (the equivalent of Kobe) beef short ribs braised to perfection in chianti with porcini mushrooms and polenta and served with a bold Modus Ruffi no 2003; and, for the sweet tooth, black-pepper macerated strawberries, sabayon and orange-pistachio biscotti paired with the pink and bubbly Rosa Regal Banfi 2007.

The wines came from Hilltoppers' beautiful wine cellar, which features a mural expertly depicting Hunt Country and a table that easily seats twelve. Ian Buffington of Republic National Distributors, educated the guests on the wines, their distinctive varietals and why they were paired with each course.

In addition to its monthly wine dinners, Hilltoppers is open to the public five nights a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Distinguished Executive Chef Christopher Carey creates the four-course, prix fixe menus based on the best available seasonal and local produce. For April, Hilltoppers' nightly dinner menu featured four choices for each course, including a duck terrine with a cornichon-caper vinaigrette, a carrot-ginger soup made with Blue Ridge Dairy honey yogurt, venison osso bucco with saffron Israeli couscous, and "Café du Monde" beignets. Chef Carey expressed excitement for the coming months, as the restaurant will be using produce from its own gardens and farm and will be expanding its use of local purveyors, including lamb from Fields of Athenry in Philomont.

On May 11, Hilltoppers will be serving a special Mother's Day luncheon and dinner, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations are required for the restaurant.

Hilltoppers and Goodstone Inn are the perfect getaway – even if your drive time is only five to 10 minutes – for people in need of rest and relaxation. The staff treats you as if you are royalty and is happy to assist with any needs, including arranging special occasions in the wine cellar or corporate retreats. For more information on Hilltoppers and Goodstone, visit http://www.goodstone.com or call 687-4645.